Just another list to make Monday seem as though it were organized, methodical and magical.

1. Well, Mondays may have become magical since I baked these brownies this afternoon. If the adjective "outrageous" isn't enticing enough, the recipe is from the queen of East Coast cuisine, Ina Garten. I've decided if I go to cooking school, I will be her protege.

5. I've cycled back to lunchbox foods since my classes run through lunch hours most days. This glorified applesauce was zapped with "vegan" and "gluten free" and let me tell you, that stuff was good. Squeezable anything food-related seems fun; this nut butter is no exception. Frozen grapes are the sherbet hack that saves late-night snacking cravings and mid-afternoon hammock feasts.

6. My friend, Elise got me hooked on this tea while we were in Poland. It is the traveler (and college student's best friend and is basically a cure-all.

7. Humor me philosophy students. When I found this at Meijer, I had to buy it.

8. Tip: drink tea everyday, multiple cups and brewed right (no adding milk before its steeped or when the bag is still in)!

9. Tip: Drink honey in your coffee. It's the bees knees and the crown of the Cafe Miel.

10. This TV show is surprisingly addicting and it used to take place after Downton Abbey; who could go wrong with a show like that?

I’ve rediscovered the bliss of reading. As a child, my mother would tell you that I loved to read. I sailed through Doyle, Keene and Christie determined to read every book on the mystery shelf at the Fishers Public Library. I annotated and dog-eared and spilt coffee and Earl Grey upon the contents of my little personal library.

A few weeks ago, my photojournalism professor showed our class the inside of the campus greenhouse. I left wondering how I'd lived a year and a half here and never discovered the mixture forest and tropical island in the middle of the cornfields. It begged,"photograph me!"

On this rainy Thursday afternoon, I brought my friend Kelly and my camera along to "Florida in the cornfields," the sunny, plant habitat attached to the side of the science building.

Nearly every time I invite Kelly on a spontaneous adventure (or trip to The Bridge) she, with great exuberance, says 'yes!' (In fact, she is one of the few friends when asked to pose for photos for my photography assignments will do so with excitement, hence this series of photos).

After a multi-month hiatus from the blog world due to a lengthy case of writer's block, a glorified list of a post emerged. Mainly, I enjoy lists, both making them and reading them. Here are five discoveries I deemed worth sharing:

1. Blackout Poetry: A glorious rediscovery, instilled in my heart from my Sophomore English teacher. Buy yourself a copy of the Times or the Post or whatever print newspaper suits you, curl up under the covers, grab this pen and create some word art.

2. This journal: Found under a pile of books and scarves in the catacombs of the Keystone Mall (the Anthropologie sale room) was this blank book. It makes me want to fill it with loftier thoughts than the lists and reminders that currently sprawl across its pages.

3. Jeremy Cowart: I've followed Jeremy's photography for about a year, but his most recent documentation of the Gatlinburg fires, I believe are the most poignant and remind me the importance of never settling for the single story.

4. Regina Spektor: Another rediscovery whose music I listen to every day. Regina writes with a pleasant dysfunction that works. I appreciate the depths and cynicism of her lyrics which turn to endearing cheerfulness with the next lines. The Calculation and Folding Chair are two favorites from this album (please listen to all of it). I've also compiled this playlist in case you want to listen to it all (which you should).

5. This macaroni and cheese: When I eat this mac and cheese, I wonder why I choose to eat anything else in the world. When I consider the amount of butter and cheese in the recipe, I understand why it is a treat. Truly, this is the best mac and cheese I have ever tasted (say the die-hard Kraft mac and cheese eater since age three). Check out the rest of Smitten Kitchen for a plethora of other foodie dishes that feed the epicurean in us all.

Just one more thing...this video makes me smile every time because this woman is inspirational and just plain fun.

In between foreign policy readings and debate watching, I felt the call of the "gypsy blood" that William Bliss references. To the gravel roads I sped, with windows down, this playlist, my camera and no set agenda.

Last Sunday, we broke away from our studies and busy schedules to explore the Circle City. What happens when you give two PPE majors, two Education majors and a Journalism major a free afternoon to explore the city? A gloriously book and coffee-filled Indy tour.

When Hallie's birthday began to approach, Kelly came up with the brilliant idea of throwing her a surprise party. We all jumped at the chance to celebrate our dear friend together. Below are a few highlights of the night.

I'm borrowing the title from a phrase picked up from a beloved high school English teacher and hoping to make this a recurrent theme. Everybody needs a little something extra to love.

I don’t cry often, but Hannah Katherine’s blog makes me tear up - every single time. A rhetorical and photographic masterpiece, The Art in Life captures well the twenty-something Georgetown life in all of its wisteria-painted perfection. Maybe it’s her love for words, for the District of Columbia, for photography, for life - any host of things, but Hannah makes it beautiful and raw in one neatly bound blog. Plus her two-month-old son Henry and family photos evoke an “aw” every time. Did I mention she’s working on her dissertation?

As if I needed any justification to love hugs more, this article explains the need for lots of them. Give me a few bear hugs a day and I’ll be happy, even without coffee. If elected to Congress, the first act I’m championing is the #givemorehugs movement.

I’m a traveler by nature (a million thanks, Mom and Dad for beginning the plane travel at six months). This summer, I’ve developed a rich love for D.C. and Boston - their culture, their history, their people, and their food. I follow a few (a modest ten to fifteen) Instagram accounts that elegantly portray anything from Georgetown to “Hah-vad Yah-d”.

Quiche, bagels, breakfast food - I’ve always loved it, but I’m daring to become a breakfast foodie (and not just to make Ron Swanson proud). Seriously, give me all the bacon and eggs you have, just not all at once.

I used to gawk at neutral wardrobes. The artist in me silently screamed, “Color, Color!” I’m attributing it to the effects of living in an all girl’s dorm where lifestyles begin to mesh, but one day I looked into my closet and a sea of navy, gray, black, white and beige greeted me - and I loved it. College has unearthed a hidden organizer and a lover (a bit extreme at times) of color coordination.

I’ll risk the label “hipster” to say buy more local. From a gal currently sitting in a local coffee shop run by artists in an art district let me shout from above the steam of the espresso machines: it’s worth it, a million times over. Understandably this is not always possible, but when it is, you learn the stories, the context and the art behind the maker’s craft.

Musically inclined and tight on time, I’ve come to appreciate movie soundtracks all the more. The main reason - phenomenal taste and a perfectly orchestrated playlist for each mood. The best part? I didn’t have to do any of the work. Right now, I’m listening to When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail (and their accompanying films) because a little Meg Ryan and a lot of New York Jazz is always needed.

My reading list of late is comprised of mostly articles garnered from this app and my Twitter feed. But when I’ve had the chance to open a book, it's been this one.

And, finally...

Just to save the best for last, these friends are a constant source of encouragement and laughter to me. Doubt the goofiness? Look at this photo again. It'll make you smile on a rainy day, guaranteed.

When I say that my favorite place in Indiana is Nashville, I get a few looks. Before you question my geography skills, I assure you that there is a Nashville, IN in addition to the better known Nashville, TN.

However the name suits the Indiana town well. With evergreen-lined hills and steep grades, Nashville is reminiscent of it's Tennessee namesake. A little town tucked in the backwoods of Southern Indiana, Brown County is a haven for lovers of the wilderness, log cabins and fried biscuits and apple butter (if you haven't tried them, you're missing out).

Shop signs in Nashville, IN

My family and I have traveled once nearly every year to Brown County, scouting out the best shops for Christmas ornaments, trails for hiking and restaurants for traditional Hoosier fare. This little town holds nearly two decades of memories for me.

Nashville embodies October in it's rustic glory. Resting in an eternal fall, Nashville feels like coming home for one last break before the holidays. Waft the air and you'll sift through scents of cinnamon, clove and cedar.

One of the many art studios in downtown Nashville

Hidden in little alleys are book shops, camera stores and coffeehouses, all dusted with local artwork. An autumnal artist's colony, Brown County is the naturalist cousin of Bloomington, another gem of a city, 15 miles away.

I've compiled a list of Brown County bits, little things to remember if you decide to take a trek to "little Nashville."

- Yellowwood State Forest - A friend told me about this treasure which sprawls a few miles outside of Nashville on the road to Bloomington. the scenery reminds me of drives through Appalachia, outside of Williamsburg. As I drove by, I kept thinking, "Is this still Indiana?"

- The Glassblower - Something about someone brave enough to twist glass with a flames captivates me. Go there if for nothing else that to watch and strike up a conversation with the glassblower himself

The town glassblower at work - one of several family members carrying on the trade

One of the only things I'm willing to splurge on regularly is a good cup of coffee. I used to laugh at folks who attributed good coffee with a good atmosphere and a good barista, but after a year of college and multiple late night study (and slacking) sessions at The Abbey (Marion, IN) and The Bridge (Upland, IN), I'm a believer.

I've compiled a list of my top drinks at my top six places. As I primarily drink black coffee, no frills, I apologize to you equally caffeine-crazed latter lovers, I've included a select few for you too.

Simon Blend - Power blend from a power name. This dark roast has a subtle, refined depth that'll keep you going through those early morning meetings. Patachou is an overall great place. All of the coffee's are worth the taste and the food? Enough bacon and eggs to make Ron Swanson proud.

The Alchemist - Did Harry Potter drink lattes? I'm sure he'd have drank this one, it's a morning magic potion. I've never heard spicy and coffee in the same sentence, but my barista at Quills surprised me with this stellar sweet, spicy, smooth and subtle latte. "This is the drink that causes return visits," he said. He was right.

Ethiopia - Voted the best coffee in the city, I have no complaints about Bee. Coffee brewing takes an art form that is well worth the wait. I've not tried the syrups, but most are made in-house. The Ethiopia has a pure, layered flavor, paying a sincere tribute to the home of coffee.

Tangerine Ginger Tea - I don't like fruit tea and I love this tea. It tastes like a freshly squeezed tangerine and in the hot, Hoosier humidity? This is a great go-to.

Cortado - Served in a glorified shot glass, the Cortado resembles a mini latte. This power drink got me through a semester of international relations and media ethics. Small, but mighty, this is my favorite espresso drink.

This sweet couple may go to rival schools (Indiana Wesleyan and Taylor), but they've won each other's hearts. I had the privilege of shooting Luke (IWU '16) and Marissa's (TU '19) proposal at The Bridge Cafe in Upland a few weeks ago, the same place where they had one of their first dates.

Nicole is one of my dearest friends. A Michigan native, she writes for Delight ministries. These shots are for Delight ministries marketing.

These shots also justified our trip to The Barking Cow (Gaston, IN) for ice cream (Lemon Cheesecake and Salted Caramel are well worth the buy). We also took some shots in Matthews where we browsed two local antique shops full of anything from copper mugs to Clinton biographies.

It's been my favorite spot in Indy since I was fifteen. Somehow this neighborhood of artists continually grows more and more quirky. This place is Instagram-heaven, as shown by our array of Broad Ripple brick wall photos below.

Located off the Canal in Downtown Indianapolis, Quill is equal parts upper-scale and grunge. The menu boasts a wide array of espresso drinks and the shelves boast a wide array of Chemex brewers and French Presses. Watching the baristas brew coffee was like watching an artist at work.